This week's selection is a Europa Edition by an author I enjoyed previously, Elena Ferrante.
The Days of Abandonment; Elena Ferrante
"One April afternoon, right after lunch, my husband announced that he wanted to leave me. He did it while we were clearing the table; the children were quarreling as usual in the next room, the dog was dreaming, growling beside the radiator. He told me that he was confused, that he was having terrible moments of weariness, of dissatisfaction, perhaps of cowardice. He talked for a long time about our fifteen years of marriage, about the children, and he admitted he had nothing to reproach with us, neither them nor me, He was composed, as always, apart from an extravagant gesture of his right hand when he explained to me, with a childish frown, that soft voices, a sort of whispering, were urging him elsewhere. Then he assumed the blame for everything that was happening and closed the front door carefully behind him, leaving me turned to stone beside the sink."
Would you continue reading this one based on the opening paragraph? (I want to kick him in the butt already...LOL)
This sounds great. I'm having one of those mornings where I'm restless and can't think what direction to go, so I can relate to this novel. (Not that I'd walk out on a marriage for that.) Here's Mine
ReplyDeleteI'd definitely read on to see ifhe eventually gets his comuppance, lol.
ReplyDeleteOK, Diane, I'm playing along for the first time this week. Struggling a bit with my read, but hopefully will persevere. I liked yours and yes, it would entice me. LOL
ReplyDeleteI would totally read this one just based on that paragraph alone. As a matter of fact, that little bit was so interesting that I am adding it to my wish list! Great post today!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you; I want to kick him in the butt too. Midlife crisis anyone? Tired of the same-old-same-old family life anyone? The wife is left to cope and I'm interested in what she'll do. I'd keep reading.
ReplyDeleteOh, my, that one really grabbed me! Into an ordinary day, the husband drops a bomb that will surely upend all their lives. Heart-wrenching.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Here's MY TEASER TUESDAY POST and
MY WEBSITE
I don't know about reading it, but I agree he needs a good kick!
ReplyDeleteSounds fabulous reading.
ReplyDeleteI'd definitely want to continue reading! I have a morbid fascination with abandonment, and of course when it's tied to marriage? That makes for a fascinating book. (I'm also thinking of Anne Tyler's Ladder of Years where she doesn't blame anyone, just leaves. A different venue, but the same theme.) I played along, too, but I think your book is the more interesting of the two.
ReplyDeleteWow! This book sounds as intriguing as The First Daughter (I've started to read this but had to stop to read a book I have to review...I cannot wait to get back to it!)
ReplyDeleteI would definitely keep reading this book. i want to know what happens, what happened, why he's doing this (what a jerk!). Elena Ferrante doesn't shy away from tough subjects and themes, I love that!
I posted my contribution to today's meme on my blog!
Amy's First Chapter today!
I'd keep reading because I want to know more. I want to know what his problem really is and I want to know how she copes.
ReplyDeleteI have a First Chapter First Paragraph today also. You can find mine here: Quirky Girls Read
Oh yeah, this one most definitely captures my attention!
ReplyDeleteI'd maybe read it, depending - but yes, kicking him in the butt sounds about right!
ReplyDeleteThis is my intro:
http://the-book-addict.blogspot.com/2011/10/tuesday-intros-house-of-doctor-dee-by.html
What an opening!! Ouch!
ReplyDeleteI want to smack him too and intrigued enough to wonder why he wants to leave.
ReplyDeleteMine is here
Wow! That is quite the teaser-paragraph. It sounds too sad, though.
ReplyDeleteThis totally got my attention. I would need to read on. I can't believe he just up and told her after lunch. But when is a good time tell someone that?
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to get to this one! I loved The Lost Daughter.
ReplyDeleteI would continue to read on...I think I would have to hit my husband with a frying pan after all of that!! LOL!! enjoy!
ReplyDeletetotally ready to kick his butt! am interested in know what the wife does next!
ReplyDeletehere's mine
I just got a copy of this book and I can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteI'd read this just to see what the wife ended up doing but honestly, one more unfulfilled, unhappy whiner of a husband - who needs it?
ReplyDeleteWhat an attention grabber! I would definately keep reading.
ReplyDeleteHa! I agree, Diane! Kick him in the butt and hurry him on out! Life and love are too precious to waste on someone so wishy-washy! But, no, this is not a book I would want to read.
ReplyDeleteI would keep reading. That's a huge part of how I choose my books. I have to be pulled in by the first paragraph to keep reading. I will join you in this in the weeks to come. I don't know how I missed it!
ReplyDelete